CHRISTMAS PACKAGES FOR OUR TROOPS
With the Christmas season fast approaching; here is an opportunity to boost the morale of one of the almost three thousand Australian Defence personnel serving overseas in areas such as Afghanistan, the Sudan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
Federal Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock, who has twice visited our troops in the Middle East, is calling for help in providing a touch of home in the form of Christmas care packages.
Mr Ruddock says he feels this is a very practical and tangible way to express our appreciation to ‘these brave men and women who will be far from home and family on Christmas Day.’
‘Australia Post offers a free postal service for care packages, up to 2kg, to all Australian Forces Postal Offices, including to our forces in the Middle East, Afghanistan, East Timor, the Sudan and the Solomon Islands.’
‘Packages can contain such items as lollies, magazines, non perishable food items, non aerosol non glass toiletries for both men and women, DVD’s and socks.’
‘Tennis balls, dog biscuits and dog toys can also be sent for the explosive detection dogs.’
When sending a package, Mr Ruddock said a letter of support could be included, perhaps with a stamped self-addressed envelope to enable the receiver to send a letter back to you.
Parcels can be sent addressed to ‘An Australian Soldier ‘ with an indication as to whether it is for a man or woman.
‘If anyone would like to donate a few items, rather than preparing a complete care package, I would be happy to have such items dropped off at my Pennant Hills Electorate Office where my staff and I will make them into packages and take them to Australia Post for mailing.’
‘To enable me to meet the mailing deadline of December 3, I ask that any items being donated be dropped off by Friday 26th November.’
Further information can be obtained by contacting Mr Ruddock’s office on 99801822